Government says determined to make India a global aviation hub

23 August 2007

The government of India has said it is committed to create a network of world-class airports in the country with a view to establishing India as a global aviation hub.

Measures have been taken to augment capacity by 60 million passengers per annum on the domestic sector, and 30 million international passengers per annum, which are under construction and likely to be commissioned within the next two or three years. This information was given by civil aviation minister Praful Patel in a written reply to a question in parliament.

Among the airports being developed, expanded and modernised the airports are the Delhi and Mumbai airports which are being restructured through the joint venture route at an estimated cost of Rs89 billion and Rs70 billion respectively.

The Kolkata and Chennai airports are being modernised and expanded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). New greenfield airports are coming up at Hyderabad and Bangalore, at a cost of Rs24.80 billion and Rs19.30 billion respectively, and they are expected to commence operations by mid-2008. Another greenfield airport at Pekyong, Sikkim, at an estimated cost of Rs3.20 billion, has also been approved.

In principle approval has also been accorded to a new international airport at Navi Mumbai through Public Private Partnership (PPP). A greenfield airport is also being envisaged at Mopa, in Goa.

Besides, as many as 35 non-metro airports are to be modernised at an estimated cost of about Rs50 billion. This is expected to be complete by March 2010. While the terminal building and air side works are being undertaken by the AAI, the city side development at 24 non-metro airports will be done through private sector participation. The project includes upgradation of communication, navigation and surveillance facilities.